ITV have revealed that they are dropping Michael Le Vell from any further episodes of Coronation Street, until legal proceedings against him are concluded.

The actor who is a long running star of the British soap opera has played mechanic Kevin Webster for decades but it was revealed this morning that Le Vell, real name is Michael Turner, has been accused and charged with a plethora of sex offences including rape, sexual assault and child abuse.

An ITV spokesman told The Mirror that with this in mind, Michael will no longer star in the show and explained:

“Given the serious nature of these charges, Michael Le Vell will not be appearing in Coronation Street pending the outcome of legal proceedings. It would not be appropriate for us to comment further at this time.

Charges of this nature first reared their head in 2011, when Le Vell was arrested and questioned over alleged child sex offences. However the matter was later dropped and many fellow celebrities spoke out in support of their friend and co star.

However last night Greater Manchester Police confirmed that the actor had been charged with sex offences against a youngster and revealed that they were basing their decision to proceed with a legal case on evidence given by lawyers from the Crown Prosecution Service.

Alison Levitt QC, Principal Legal Advisor to the Director of Public Prosecutions said: “I have very carefully reviewed the evidence in this case and I have concluded that there is sufficient evidence and it is in the public interest to charge Michael Robert Turner with a number of sexual offences.

“I have authorised Greater Manchester Police to charge Mr Turner with nineteen offences, including rape of a child.”

A spokeswoman from GMP said: “A man has been charged with 19 child sex offences.

“Michael Turner has been charged with 19 offences including raping a child, indecently assaulting a child and sexual activity with a child.

“The charges, which were authorised by the CPS following a review of evidence, relate to offences against a child between 2001 and 2010.”

Brooke Vincent who plays Michael’s on screen daughter Sophie Webster spoke at the time of the first allegations and supported the actor.

Vincent told The People: “We all love Michael to bits and are behind him. He’s a great guy. He’s on top form at the moment.”

In a statement two years ago, he said: “I strenuously deny these allegations and will do everything in my power to prove my innocence.”

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